MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) is ramping up its political efforts ahead of the critical 2026 elections with key staff appointments.
Veteran political strategist Scott McClintock has been chosen to serve as Political Director for BCA’s Campaign 2026 initiative, and Caroline Franklin has been promoted to Vice President of Government Affairs. In her expanded role, Franklin will continue to serve as the Executive Director of ProgressPAC, BCA’s political action committee.
Campaign 2026 is a bold, strategic initiative designed to recruit, endorse, and elect candidates who champion free markets, economic growth, and a competitive business climate. The initiative will deploy cutting-edge campaign techniques, execute a dynamic fundraising strategy, and mobilize a robust grassroots network to advocate for candidates who support a strong economy. Through this effort, BCA is ensuring that businesses have a powerful voice in shaping Alabama’s future.
“We are building the most effective and influential political program in BCA’s history,” said BCA President and CEO Helena Duncan. “Scott brings a wealth of political experience that will be invaluable as we work to elect pro-business leaders. Caroline has already demonstrated exceptional leadership, and in her new role, she will play a key part in shaping our advocacy efforts.”
McClintock is a seasoned political operative with years of experience in senior government positions and campaign operations. He previously served as Chief of Staff to former Mississippi governor Phil Bryant and in the Trump Administration at the U.S. Department of State, where he managed the confirmation of over 70 ambassadors and senior State Department officials. He is a Washington & Lee University graduate.
“I’m honored to join one of the most influential business organizations in the country,” McClintock said. “BCA’s Campaign 2026 will be a game-changer in Alabama politics, and I’m eager to bring my experience in policy and campaigns to this effort.”
Before her promotion, Franklin served as BCA’s Director of Governmental Affairs and Executive Director of ProgressPAC. She has held key roles in Alabama and Washington, D.C., working for former Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield, Representative Jodey Arrington, Senator Richard Shelby, and Congresswoman Martha Roby.
“I am both honored and motivated by the opportunity to step into my new advocacy role and continue guiding ProgressPAC into the pivotal 2026 election cycle,” said Franklin. “This is a critical moment for our state, and the work ahead will be essential in shaping Alabama’s economic future. BCA and ProgressPAC have long been steadfast in their mission to make Alabama the most business-friendly state in the nation, and as we head into this election, our efforts will be more vital than ever in securing that vision for years to come.”
As a key member of the political team, Executive Vice President Clay Scofield will continue to spearhead BCA’s policy development and work towards positioning the association as a thought leader on economic and business policy in Montgomery, Washington, and at the grassroots level.
The Business Council of Alabama is the premier voice for Alabama business. BCA is a non-partisan, statewide business association representing the interests and concerns of nearly 1 million working Alabamians through its member companies and its partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. BCA is Alabama’s exclusive affiliate to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.
ProgressPAC is the political affiliate of the Business Council of Alabama. ProgressPAC remains committed to fighting for Alabama’s future by endorsing pro-jobs candidates who will help lead Alabama in the right direction.